Raymond Hopcus

Raymond (“Ray”) Frank Hopcus was welcomed home by Our Lord, on Thursday, October 16,
2014, at the age of 77. He passed away peacefully with his family at his side, in his longtime
community of Simi Valley, CA.
Ray was born in Bremond, Texas on Nov. 16, 1936, to parents Josie and Harry Hopcus. At
the age of four, he moved with his family to Los Angeles, CA. He graduated from Garfield High
School, in East Los Angeles, in 1955, where he was active in many sports, including
gymnastics, track, and football. After graduation, he eventually secured a career with the
Flying Tiger Line airfreight transport company, starting out as an aircraft mechanic, and retiring
after a 30-year career as a 747 Captain.
Ray’s focus in life centered on his family. It was very important to him that his family knew their
roots. After he retired from the airline industry, Ray traveled to his ancestors’ country of
Poland to learn more about his family history. He spent many months compiling an extensive
Hopcus Family genealogy. After a year of planning, Ray coordinated the largest Hopcus
family reunion ever in Bremond Texas on October 16, 1999. Coincidentally, that same date -
October 16 - is the same date he returned home to be reunited with his family in heaven.
He owned several small businesses after he retired from his airline career. He enjoyed home
projects, fixing things, attending air shows, reading periodicals– especially the Bremond Press,
from his Texas birthplace. There was nothing in Ray’s life more rewarding than the gift of his
children and grandchildren. He was always available to talk with them and offer advice. He
truly enjoyed talking with people, and sharing life stories.
Ray is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Barbara. They were married in Maywood,
CA., on April 19, 1958.
Ray is lovingly remembered by his four children: Teresa Carpenter, Dona Hopcus, Daniel
Hopcus, and Tracy Jordan; daughter-in-law Cindy Hopcus; sons-in-law Samuel (“Sam”)
Carpenter and Mark Jordan; by his grandchildren: Courtney Carpenter, Chelsea Carpenter,
Jack Goebel, Eilishe Goebel, and Harrison Hopcus; his sister Clara Germain; his brother
Albine Hopcus; and godchildren Norman Balandran, and Marlene (Puch) Masone.
Ray was preceded in death by his father, Herman “Harry” Hopcus; mother Josephine “Josie”
Hopcus; and brothers Leonard Hopcus and Lige Hopcus.